A transformational initiative of the Church of the Brethren in Western Plains

October 27-29, 2017

THE GATHERINGW E B S T E R C O N F E R E N C E C E N T E RS A L I N A , K A N S A S

SCHEDULE Friday Evening, October 273:00 – 6:00 Registration5:00 – 6:30 Dinner7:00 – 8:30 Opening Worship: Samuel Sarpiya, preacher8:45 Fellowship Night at the Coffeehouse

Saturday Morning, October 287:00 – 8:00 Breakfast8:00 – 8:15 Morning Watch 8:30 – 9:30 General Session:

“Intro to Theopoetics, or Is God a Poet?” Leader: Scott Holland,

Slabaugh Professor of Theology and Culture, Bethany Theological Seminary

9:30 – 9:45 Preview of Workshops10:00 – 11:30 Workshop Block #11145 – 1:00 Lunch

Saturday Afternoon1:00 – 1:45 Shared Interest Groups2:00 – 2:50 General Session: “Living into God’s Poetry” Leader: Scott Holland3:00 – 4:30 Workshop Block #24:45 – 6:00 Dinner

Saturday Evening6:30 – 8:00 Worship: Adam Barlow-Thompson, preacher8:30 Campfire & Coffeehouse

Sunday Morning, October 297:00 – 8:00 Breakfast8:00 – 8:15 Morning Watch 8:30 – 10:00 Workshop Block #310:30 – 12:00 Closing Worship: Monica Rice, preacher12:30 – 1:15 Lunch & Depart

FOR WE ARE GOD’S POETRY! Imagine for a moment, what would it mean for your life if you found out God was a poet?  Did you know that is exactly what Paul is saying as he writes to the Church at Ephesus?  A common translation of Ephesians 2:10 is as follows:“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)The word, “handiwork”, is a translation of the Greek, “poiema”.  From “poiema,” we get, in English, “poem”.  In essence, Paul is telling his readers, “For we are God’s poem...” Think of it.  We are God’s poem or poetry, created in Christ Jesus, to do “good works”, or to bring beauty and goodness to all of life as we experience it.  This is God’s purpose for our lives--for each of us and for the Church of Jesus Christ. Oh, what huge implications for us!Come to the Gathering.  Come to learn, to know and to explore, what it means for you to be the poetic expression of God’s love to the world in your life.  Come to the Gathering. Come to celebrate with sisters and brothers, together, the gift of God’s calling to us, together, to be God’s poetry to and for the life of the world!

I N T R O D U C T I O N O F T H E M E

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S P E A K E R SSamuel Sarpiya, 2018 Annual Conference Moderator. Sarpiya, who was born in Nigeria, is pastor of Rockford (Ill.) Community Church of the Brethren and co-founder of the Center for Nonviolence and Conflict Transformation in Rockford. He received early training in the principles of Kingian nonviolence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is passionate about the connection between peacemaking and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has impacted the Rockford school systems, has done training for the Rockford police department’s command staff and management in nonviolent principles, and has partnered with Nigerian Brethren and Brethren in the United States in developing a mobile library for use among several camps hosting internally displaced persons across Nigeria. He is a graduate of the University of Jos, Nigeria, and of Bethany Theological Seminary.

Adam Barlow-Thompson is the executive director of The Neighboring Movement by SoCe Life. SoCe Life researches, practices and teaches about neighboring, seeking out neighboring initiatives around the country to study principles of good neighboring. They live out good neighboring as an intentional community in the South-Central neighborhood of Wichita. Their discoveries are packaged and shared with individuals, communities, and organizations who want to be better neighbors.  Adam is ordained in the United Methodist church and loves playing banjo and laughing loudly. He can be seen around the neighborhood playing music on the front porch or riding his bike to the office.  Adam is married to Ashley and they have a young son named Prescott.  When Adam isn’t working at SoCe Life, he is a trainer in effective communication and positive conflict.

Monica Rice lives in McPherson, KS and is the Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations for McPherson College. As a graduate of Manchester College – now University – and Bethany Theological Seminary, Monica finds many opportunities to participate in the larger Church of the Brethren community. She is an active member of the Living Stream Church of the Brethren where she also periodically helps to coordinate worship for the congregation. Along with her passion for the church, Monica also enjoys knitting, quilting, reading, and spending time in nature.

Y O U T H R E T R E A TDistrict Youth Coordinators Shawn Flory Replogle (Sr. High) and Nicole and Phil Sampson ( Jr. High) have planned another fun-filled, Spirit-driven, jam-packed weekend! Youth will be challenged to consider what the Gathering theme (“For We Are God’s Poetry”) has to do with them. Youth will have the opportunity to participate in a service project, the ropes course, participate in worship, and much, much more!

C H I L D R E N ’ S A C T I V I T I E SThe Gathering features programming and care for children from infants through 5th grade. Several blocks of care are provided for infants through four-year-olds.  Children five years through 5th grade participate in Bible School activities during much of the time adult activities are scheduled on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Parents (extended family member or family friend) will be asked to contribute a minimum of one time-block of assistance to the program leaders.   For more information and the children’s registration form, go to www.wpcob.org.

R E G I S T R A T I O NThe registration fee includes all conference meals, programs, activities, and on-campus lodging. A motel list with special conference rates is available for those preferring off-campus lodging. Persons choosing to stay in motels pay their own housing and are charged the same conference fee, still a subsidized rate.

By Oct. 16 After Oct. 16

Adult $60 $70

Youth $60 $70

Family max. $150 $180

Visit www.wpcob.org or call 620-241-4240 for registration forms and more information.

L O C A T I O NThe Gathering is held at Webster Conference Center at the north edge of Salina just north of I-70, exit 253 (Ohio St.)—about two miles east of the junction with I-135. On-campus housing is “winterized camp style,” with single beds, decent mattresses, and some handicapped accessible rooms. Most lodgings have bath facilities in the room. Normally 4-5 persons of the same gender share a room, although a limited number of family rooms are available. Bring your own bedding (including pillows) and towels. RV hook-ups are also available. Webster policy does not allow pets on campus or in campus housing.

Open Conversation - Samuel Sarpiya, Annual Conference ModeratorA free-ranging discussion of hopes and dreams on whatever topics are of interest to the group.

What is “Church”? - Keith Funk In this workshop, rather than focus on personal faith, salvation and individual well-being, we will explore the importance of “church” as it relates to who we are, and how we live as “followers of Jesus.” We will consider how the pursuit of unity is essential, when so many issues can divide us. Being the “church” speaks not only to the importance of our relationship as fellow Christians, but also to our essential God-given witness to the world. Keith has pastored the Quinter Church of the Brethren for the past 19 years and chairs the New Church Development Team

Neighboring - Adam Barlow Thompson What if Jesus meant love your actual neighbor? In this workshop, discover the power of neighboring to transform communities from the inside out, breathe energy into local churches, and strengthen public health. Participants will gain an understanding of Asset Based Community Development, a theological framework of neighboring, and practical application for increasing neighboring in your own context. The Neighboring Movement, for which Barlow-Thompson is executive director, studies and shares about neighboring initiatives across the nation as well as living out those principles in an intentional community in Wichita, Kansas.

Camp Crafts - Barbra Davis (Offered once only, block #1)Are you creative or not so creative? Never mind, I will wave my magic wand and Hocus Pocus…who cares! It’s the experience that counts. Crafts are a way to emphasize the theme of camp and provide community-building opportunities. Come join us for hands-on activities with a variety of media and create a group project together. Barbra pastors the Olathe CoB and the Messiah CoB (MO-Ark District) and facilitates the children’s program at First Central CoB.

Camp Curriculum - Jan Hurst (Offered once only, block #2)An inspiring preview of the camp curriculum for 2018, with video and discussion. Beyond Belief: The Universe of God will help our campers ponder the BIG questions about God. What if God were bigger than you ever imagined? What if hope were real? What if you could change the world? Campers will explore how God can be seen in the vastness of creation, the power of community, and even in their own hearts. Although this information is most important for camp leaders, all parents, pastors and others—who want to discover the scriptural foundation and how the theme will be carried out at camp—are invited to attend. Jan is the current chair of the Outdoor Ministries Team.

Team Building – Susan Kendall and Diane Oakes One of the most satisfying experiences for leaders is being part of a team where everyone works together for a common goal successfully. Learn how your team members make that happen by working better together, supporting each other, and achieving more than you thought possible. This session is open to all leaders—and is especially relevant to summer-camp leaders. Diane has served as the Chief Executive Officer for the Girl Scouts of Kaw Valley Council and as a Kansas State Supreme Court mediator, and currently as the project coordinator for the Douglas County Domestic Mediation program. Susan is a member of the Topeka congregation and serves on our district’s Outdoor Ministries Team.

“Conflict Tree” - Gary Flory and Gail Erisman-Valeta This workshop will demonstrate how to use the “Conflict Tree” as an assessment tool to help conflicted congregations agree on or determine what core problems exist that need to be addressed. The workshop will be interactive, and use congregational scenarios to practice using the Conflict Tree tool. Gary is the former director of the Kansas Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution. Gail is pastor of the Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren and a member of the Shalom Team.

National Youth Conference - Leader to be announcedA presenter, yet to be determined, will have an exciting presentation on National Youth Conference. Both youth AND adults will find the information helpful. The presenter will share information on past NYC events, on the present plans for the 2018 NYC, and on the opportunities that each person will have for fun things to do and inspiring worship and discussions. Come and hear what is in store at the 2018 NYC!

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